A City-wide technological infrastructure supports and sustains individual, educational, government and business demands.

Germantown requires a dependable, state-of-the-art and robust technology infrastructure throughout the City. This includes cellular service, wireless, Internet connectivity, radio, television and telephone service. City ordinances adapt to changing technology while keeping with the traditions citizens expect. The City creates an environment that attracts technology options for the community and explores strategic technological partnerships. Technology also supports and enhances public safety initiatives such as FirstNet, which will bring 21st century technology to first responders.

Reliable and fast Internet service is important for citizens that work, learn, and play from their residence. The City will keep current ordinances and policies that create an environment where Internet Services Providers can provide the best possible service to residents. This measure shows the percent of respondents indicating somewhat satisfied or very satisfied with the availability, speed, and reliability of their residential internet services on the City’s annual community survey.

Analysis

The fiscal year 2018 Community Survey was sent to residents in the 2nd quarter. Results were received in the 4th quarter and reflect a decline in satisfaction from survey respondents. The City met with a new potential internet provider in the 4th quarter.

Cellular phones have become an integral tool in people's lives. Because they now provide critical services such as weather warnings and access to 911 emergency lines, excellent coverage, speed, and reliability is important. The City will keep current ordinances and policies that create an environment where Wireless Carriers can provide the best possible service to residents. This measure shows the percent of respondents indicating somewhat satisfied or very satisfied with the coverage, speed, and reliability of their wireless service on the City’s annual community survey.

Analysis

The fiscal year 2018 Community Survey was sent to residents in the second quarter. Results were received in the fourth quarter and reflect a decline in satisfaction from survey respondents.

At the beginning of fiscal year 2018, the Board of Mayor and Aldermen (BMA) approved a legislative agenda which included Small Cells. Small Cell legislation was reviewed and passed at the State level. Additionally, the BMA has approved several cell tower owner requests for improvements to cell towers in Germantown. Information Technology continues to regularly meet with cellular and tower companies to discuss improvements.

Reliable and fast Internet service is important for businesses that serve the community. The City will have ordinances and policies that create an environment where Internet Services Providers can provide the best possible service to businesses. This measure shows the percent of respondents indicating somewhat satisfied or very satisfied with the availability, speed, and reliability of their business internet service on the City’s business survey.

Analysis

The City has no previous data and will participate in the Economic and Community Development business survey to begin tracking this measure.

Cellular phones have become an integral tool in the business community. Because they now provide critical services such as weather warnings and access to 911 emergency lines, excellent coverage, speed, and reliability is important. The City will keep current ordinances and policies that create an environment where Wireless Carriers can provide the best possible service to the business community. This measure shows the percent of respondents indicating somewhat satisfied or very satisfied with the coverage, speed, and reliability of their wireless service on the City’s business survey.

Analysis

The City has no previous data and will participate in the Economic and Community Development business survey to begin tracking this measure.

The Information and Technology department is working with a vendor to obtain updated cell service data for the baseline index. Completion is expected in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019. Annual updates will provide information.